Tiger conservation: Change in wildlife act in offing

The government has proposed an amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 by introducing a chapter on tiger conservation. The amendment is likely to be introduced in the winter session of Parliament which starts on Wednesday.

The central government is planning to set up a statutory body "" National Tiger Conservation Authority "" which will work in consultation with state governments to control poaching and illegal trade in the tiger and its derivatives. The statutory body would also provide financial assistance to the states, according to sources.

The law ministry has already sent the proposal to the ministry of environment and forests for consideration. According to sources, the amendment would aim at giving more teeth to the central government, which at present does not have final authority over various reserves which fall under the jurisdiction of state governments that oversee their administration.

The proposed amendment covers hunting in tiger reserves and altering of the boundaries of tiger reserves, unlike the present Act which deals with sanctuaries in general.

Under the amendment, hunting in tiger reserves or altering their boundaries will be made punishable with not less than three years of imprisonment extending up to seven years and a fine up to Rs 25,000.

A massive tiger conservation programme was launched by late prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1973 under which a task force was constituted under the chairmanship of Karan Singh. While the task force had recommended continued surveillance in the tiger ranges, it failed due to lack of statutory backing and manpower.

"Forest land has been destroyed to facilitate projects like tourist resorts, mining activities, power plants, dams, highways etc. This is taking a toll on the tiger and its habitat," said a government official.

According to him, the forest department is handicapped on count of infrastructure and manpower, as against poachers who are well equipped.

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LORD OF THE JUNGLE

National Tiger Conservation Authority, a statutory body, which will work in consultation with state governments to control poaching and illegal trade in the tiger and its derivatives

Hunting in tiger reserves and altering of the boundaries of tiger reserves to be made punishable with not less than three years of imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 25,000

More power to central government, which at present does not have final authority over various reserves, under the jurisdiction of state governments that oversee their administration